Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/3/2011

Question
Hi, We live in a small 2 bedroom mobile home.  We just found out we are expecting another baby and need to add on. (we need enough room for 2 adults and 3 children.)
My husband is capable of doing all the work, but I want to know if it is possible to add on a room for around $1000.  We already have a deck that I beleive we could enclose and use for an additional room.

Answer
Hi Mary, If your husband does all the work himself you might be able to add a room on your minimal budget especially if the deck is built strong enough to support it.  Chances are that the deck has gaps between the flooring boards to allow rain to go through.  You will have to cover that with plywood to give yourself a nice solid floor to carpet or tile.  In cases like this you will want to put felt paper down first as a vapor barrier and then put the plywood on top of that.  If your existing decking is 2x6 or similar with 1/2" gaps between the boards you can use plywood of minimal thickness but I wouldn't go any thinner than 1/2" plywood for carpeting or if you are going to tile the room 1/4" hardiboard underlayment.  You will also want to insulate the floor system from underneath using inexpensive batt insulation and install a layer of 4-6 mil visqueen on the ground to help prevent moisture coming up from the ground.  A cheap roofing is 80# rolled roofing seamed with mastic.  When money is tight you can concentrate on the basics first.  Get the framing up and the roof on.  Then when you get more money, work on the interior.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com